Sky is knocking 20% off its entire range of Glass TVs to mark the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Until June 17, shoppers can upgrade to the Sky smart TV that’s ‘designed for football’ from £4.50 per month when taken alongside a Sky TV and Netflix package.

Trainer Tom Charlton is confident that Shangri La Impact has been presented with the opportune race to advance her career at Randwick this Saturday, even if a return to Stakes-level racing is uncertain.

The four-year-old filly, by Staphanos, is scheduled to participate in the $160,000 B&J Guttering & Metal Roofing BM72 Handicap over 1800 metres.

This fillies and mares event represents her first competition against her own sex since her involvement in last year’s Group 1 Queensland Oaks, and Charlton is pleased with the mare’s preparation.

“It’s the perfect race for her really; fillies and mares, a nice distance for her on home track, so I think it looks a nice option,” Charlton said.

This will mark Shangri La Impact’s fifth start for Charlton, who took over from former trainers Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott.

Waterhouse and Bott entered her into the Queensland Oaks after she achieved back-to-back wins in May last year, but she finished second-last in that 2200m race.

Shangri La Impact commenced her tenure with Charlton with a debut victory in BM64 grade at Kembla Grange on March 3. This was followed by a third-place finish at Newcastle and another win over 1800m in BM72 grade at the Randwick Kensington meeting on April 27.

She returned to Saturday racing at Rosehill on May 30 but weakened in the run home to finish sixth, 6-1/4 lengths behind the winner, having gone too hard in the early stages.

Nash Rawiller will ride Shangri La Impact from barrier two in Saturday’s event, replacing Dylan Gibbons. Charlton is hoping for a less taxing run.

“She doesn’t have to lead but she naturally has herself in a forward position,” he said.

“Last time we just went a bit too quick, we had a bit of pressure on our outside and you could see the race how it developed that it suited the backmarkers.”

“So I think there was a genuine excuse and I think also getting back on a sounder surface might be more beneficial as well.”

Shangri La Impact is currently listed as the second favourite with leading betting sites for Saturday’s handicap, behind Chris Waller’s sparingly raced British mare Nasebah.

For those interested in wagering, exploring the available racing odds on Australian betting sites for this BM72 handicap could prove advantageous.

Teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi could trigger a “revival of Test cricket” if he fulfils his potential in the longest format, said former India captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth, urging fans and experts to stop over-analysing the youngster’s performances. Riding on his IPL exploits, Sooryavanshi has earned his maiden call-up in the Indian T20 set-up. The teenager has been picked for the seven-match tour of Ireland and England, comprising two games against Ireland and five against England, beginning in Belfast on June 26. Srikkanth said the 15-year-old possesses a rare ability to attract audiences and should be allowed to develop naturally without being burdened by expectations.

“What I like about Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is he has an appetite to score runs and an appetite to dominate. At the same time, he could stay there and play also,” Srikkanth told PTI at his residence on Thursday.

“If he progresses beyond T20 cricket to one-day cricket, and then to Test cricket, and if he clicks in Test cricket, which he will, I am sure then you will see a revival of Test cricket.

“You need that kind of cricketer today. People switch on the TV just to watch Sooryavanshi. I switch on the TV to watch Sooryavanshi. That is the aura he has created around himself. And he is something amazing.”

Don’t worry about what people talk, just play your natural game 

Srikkanth cautioned against “too much assessment, scrutiny and advice” after the youngster’s modest returns on the recent India A tour of Sri Lanka.

“Vaibhav, don’t worry about what people talk about you, just play your natural game,” the former selection committee chairman said.

“In one series, you don’t judge a person. Come on. That happens. Poor boy. It doesn’t matter. You just give him time. Don’t be in a hurry. In the IPL, he was just amazing. In his second year in the IPL, he won all the awards beating all the top cricketers in the world.

“I think he is amazing. He has amazing shot making capability, an amazing eye, and amazing reflexes. I think that boy is tremendous for India’s future.”

He is the future of Indian cricket, let’s mould him beautifully

Srikkanth said Sooryavanshi should be nurtured carefully rather than burdened with expectations.

“That boy needs a lot of time. You give him lot of encouragement. He is a guy who can win matches single-handed. So, I believe that he should be given a very, very, very long rope,” the former India opener said.

“And I don’t think you should mess up with him. Let’s mould him beautifully And if you give him ample chances and if you mould him well, he will be simply outstanding for Indian cricket.”

Srikkanth also welcomed Sooryavanshi’s exposure to the senior Indian set-up.

“For the England series, let him be in the reserves. Let him understand this is international cricket. I believe that he should remain with the team, even if he doesn’t have a place in the XI because Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma are playing, they are the certainties,” he said.

“I don’t think you should look at lesser teams or bigger teams. End of the day, it’s trial by fire. If he has to play against England, let him play against England. Against Ireland, let him play against Ireland. You don’t need to push him hard. Let him get chances to play his natural game.”

Asked if he saw similarities between Sooryavanshi and Sachin Tendulkar, who made his international debut under his captaincy, Srikkanth ruled out any comparison.

“Let’s not compare Sachin and Sooryavanshi. Sachin is God of cricket and this boy Vaibhav Suryavanshi, I believe is the son of God. Let’s put it that way. Just leave Sachin alone. Nobody can come near him.” Praising Sooryavanshi, Srikkanth said: “He has been simply amazing in under-19 cricket. His shot-making is astonishing. The way he hits those shots, hitting all the top bowlers for a six on the first ball, and his ability, his wrist speed, his bat speed, his bat swing.

“I think he has a very stable mind. If you see the last IPL matches, against Gujarat Titans. RCB were 9 for 2 and he stayed back and scored,” he noted.

Kohli should have given him a royal send-off in Test cricket

Srikkanth said Virat Kohli should have played the England series as he deserved a royal send-off from Test cricket.

“Virat Kohli is a different level. He has the passion, the aggression, and the commitment. He is simply amazing … he has been one of the best captains India has ever produced, especially in Test cricket. But his luck is just that he has not been lucky enough to win an ICC trophy.

“Kohli should have played the Test series against England last year … for a guy like Kohli who has done so much for Indian cricket, I think they should have given him a royal send-off in Test cricket. But unfortunately, it didn’t happen.

“I think you should let him be. Let Virat decide what to do, like what Sachin did. See, Virat is that great. He is King of Kings Kohli…” On Rohit Sharma, Srikkanth said: “I still believe he is one of the best one-day cricketers the world has produced in modern day. One of the best ODI openers the world has produced.

“I think if he is scoring runs and if he is fit enough, why not? He should play the 2027 World Cup.”

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IPL 2026 News | Shami’s Sensation Leads Lucknow to First Win of Season

Morphettville-based trainer Paula Trenwith is aiming to surpass her most successful racing season to date, with potentially four runners entered for her home track this Saturday.

Trenwith maintains a compact stable of only six horses at Morphettville, meaning a significant portion of her team could be in action on race day.

Six of Trenwith’s eight victories this year have occurred at metropolitan meetings, her highest tally since records began on the Racing and Sports database.

The trainer has achieved 12 wins in a season twice before, however, those wins were primarily on country tracks with a few provincial successes.

Savatoff, set to compete in the Sportsbet Get On Extra Handicap (2500m), will be aiming for his third city win of the season.

The gelding won at Morphettville Parks last August, and his most recent win came in the Onkaparinga Cup (2150m) at Oakbank in April.

Savatoff is preparing for his ninth run of the campaign, which began in February. Trenwith stated that the horse will continue racing as long as the tracks remain wet.

“He really does like the wet tracks, so he’s in at the right time of the year,” Trenwith said. “When you look at him, there’s still plenty of him. He holds his condition really well in the stable and he’s always really enthusiastic about his work. I don’t work him too hard on the track, or gallop him too much, so hopefully he can be in for a good winter campaign. I took to him Casterton last time chasing a wet track and I had him nominated for the 2500-metre race at Flemington on Saturday as well, but that was a very strong race. If it dries up here, I would be more than happy to go over the border with him, especially if the tracks remain wet.”

Aysgarth, a recent acquisition, will run in the Polywave – your partners in poly Handicap (1100m).

Previously trained by Anthony and Sam Freedman, Aysgarth is a galloper imported from the UK. He finished second in his debut outing for Trenwith on June 6.

“Sometimes with these horses that come from England, they can take a long time to acclimatise,” Trenwith commented. “His feet were terrible when I got him. I tried to get him going, but I couldn’t get him sound, so I tipped him out and he had the whole summer out. His feet are fantastic now. I’ve got a wonderful farrier. He needed that time to acclimatise, and where he went, it was a hot summer, and if he didn’t get used to Australia after that, he never would. He’s a portly little thing and he was underdone going into his last start, so he’s definitely got improvement in him.”

Ginger Sinner, like Savatoff, is aiming for his third win of the season when he contests the SAJC Membership Available June 27 Handicap (1200m).

“He likes a wet track and is well into his campaign and is lovely and fit,” Trenwith added.

An appearance for Babayka in the Sportsbet Race Replays Handicap (1050m) is uncertain, as the gelding drew barrier 14 in a 15-horse field.

“He needs a good draw to show his best,” Trenwith concluded.

Get the latest racing odds from Australian betting sites.

Winning consistently as a favorite at home creates an atmosphere of intimidation for visitors.

Loud crowds often play a big factor, as do intimate and remote environments.

The table below shows the wins, losses, and win percentages as a home favorite for the region’s top programs over the last 10 seasons.

Oregon leads the way, followed by Washington, Utah State, Utah, and Hawai’i.

When the 1994 World Cup came to town, Major League Soccer didn’t exist, and there were questions about whether soccer would even make it in this country. Fast forward to the United States men’s national team at the 2026 World Cup, and while there’s still room to grow, with stars like Lionel Messi and Son Heung-Min playing in Major League Soccer, the United Soccer League is gearing up for implementing promotion and relegation in their league, while American fans are also showing their appetite for soccer via both viewership and attendance, it’s clear that soccer is here to stay.

Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber agrees in what has been a year when MLS announced that it will move to a European schedule, but there’s more to come for the country’s most prominent soccer league.

“The world hasn’t seen anything like what the World Cup will be in 2026. This is Super Bowls every day for well over a month, and I think that the world will see everything that we in the soccer ecosystem in North America know, that the game really matters here,” Garber said during his state of the league press conference in December. 

“People care about it deeply, there’s a revolution going on where our sport is more popular than anybody ever believed, and that’s evidenced by what’s happening in our league, what’s happening in the women’s game, what’s happening in the different structures that are being built, and what’s happening in the communities that are hosting games, all the watch parties that will happen. We’d love to say that it’s the rocket fuel, but this jet has been running for 30 years, and it’s going to run for another 30.”

The impact of the World Cup

When looking at how the league can continue improving at such a rapid rate, you have to examine what the World Cup could bring to American soccer. Since there isn’t a new league coming this time around, there’s much more nuance to what comes next. While the USMNT doing well is something that would be a sign of a strong World Cup, that’s a better indicator of short-term success than long-term success. The performance of the national team can inspire others to want to play soccer, but so can things such as seeing representation in their backyard.

The Algerian national team has been one of the feel-good stories of the World Cup so far, being based in Lawrence, Kansas, and during their community training session, the national team played soccer with kids in the community. Those are moments that will sit with those kids and impact the community for years to come. It’s part of the beauty of spreading out base camps, so these players are truly in the community and are bringing the World Cup to a further scope than just the 16 host cities where games are being played. Just ask the people who came out in Chattanooga, Tenn., to see Spain’s Lamine Yamal.

And there is no telling how it could inspire, despite the hurdles that currently exist. High-level travel teams and some MLS academies require people to pay to play or travel quite long distances to get into soccer. There can be some financial assistance available at times, but when even Clint Dempsey briefly gave up playing youth soccer so that his parents could use that money elsewhere, it shows how fragile this system is.

If you are good enough, you are old enough is a famous quote from Manchester United’s Matt Busby, but in the United States, it can be shifted to, if you’re good enough and well off enough, you’re old enough, and that’s something that has to change. Soccer may not be able to surpass football and basketball to become America’s number one sport, but in a country of almost 350 million, it doesn’t need to be, as there’s plenty of talent to improve the youth setup if it’s accessible to them.

FIFA and U.S. Soccer’s role in accessibility

Speaking to U.S. Soccer, they recognize that pay-to-play is something that needs to be addressed, and via innovate to grow, there’s a plan in place to make soccer more accessible to all. That program was able to build a new center via funding from FIFA Forward. FIFA Forward is a program that reinvests money into member associations to increase the level of soccer while also using oversight to ensure that those funds are used properly. 

With Haiti’s World Cup qualification, those funds were used to provide security and assistance with development. Cabo Verde and Curacao have used FIFA Forward funds to improve infrastructure in their countries, and it’s immediately showing results for the first-time qualifiers and returnees to the World Cup after lengthy absences. By the end of 2026, FIFA anticipates investing $5 billion into this program

“Even in the difficulties that some of them that they have to go through in the context of the country, for example Haiti, is unfortunatly going through a very difficult period as a country and it’s difficult to organize football at a domestic level on the island due to lack of security for the time being so there is a normalization committee that FIFA established which has done a tremendous job there in the way that they can, even sometimes being in Haiti with the risk that this entails but we focus with them on the national teams and the possibility to give these girls and boys places to train,” FIFA Director Member Associations Americas, Jair Bertoni said.

Sometimes they have to go abroad to safely do that, but these are the kinds of things that can make soccer accessible globally. Since it’s down to what each nation needs, in the United States, FIFA Forward support has helped U.S. Soccer grow innovations in their own markets, funding around 27 projects. And a goal that they do have is making it easier to play soccer because pay-to-play is a known issue in the country and hinders the ability to grow to the level of other countries.

“It’s a complex issue. It’s not going to be a one-size-fits-all solution for everyone. So, being able to channel funding to them to tailor solutions that really make sense for their communities and make sense for the underserved communities they’re trying to reach is one way,” Melissa Radke, director, member strategy at USSF, said.  “And as U.S. Soccer, too, we recognize that there’s additional work to be done. We have some initiatives currently underway, working very closely with our membership, including the professional leagues, on just that. Looking at the different pathways that, that players have, whether they want to move into more competitive or pre-professional environments or stay recreational, whatever’s best for them and their development, and where they want to go in soccer. That’s certainly something that we’re looking at and working very closely with our members on right now, and as those analyses, um, and those efforts move forward, there’ll be more coming out from that.”

There have been improvements to the American coaching system, but this piece is what could be significant in changing the future of soccer in America with the World Cup here a second time around. If U.S. Soccer can capitalize on the inspiration that the 2026 World Cup will bring in America, the sky could be the limit for the next tournament in the United States and for the teams who represent this country.

Welcome to our live blog as we learn what Manchester United’s and Manchester City’s fixture schedules are going to look like next season.

Enzo Maresca’s appointment hasn’t been rubber-stamped but he’s still expected to be announced as Pep Guardiola’s replacement.

On the other side of the city, Michael Carrick did enough to be handed the United gig on a permanent basis and he has already secured his first win as permanent head coach, having guided United to a comfortable win over Brighton on the final day of the 2025/26 season.

Fixture release day is always an exciting day for football fans and we’ll have everything you need to know right here, so stick with us for breaking news, reaction and analysis.

For three years, wide receiver Lucky Jackson, of UFL fame, remained in the Minnesota Vikings’ orbit, mostly notable for his catchy name and speed. But in the summer of 2026, Vikings fans will follow Jackson from afar, as the speedster signed with the Detroit Lions on Wednesday.

As he did in Minnesota for three summers, Jackson will fight for a roster spot at training camp and in the preseason.

Lions’ Crowded WR Room Still Has Summer Opportunity

Lucky to DET

It’s official for Jackson to the Lions, as TheUFL.com wrote this week, “The Louisville Kings today announced that wide receivers Tarik Black (6-2, 213, University of Texas) and Lucky Jackson (6-0, 182, Western Kentucky) have signed NFL contracts with the Detroit Lions. Black and Jackson are among the first group of UFL players to sign NFL contracts as the UFL’s 2026 offseason signing period officially opened Monday, June 15.”

“Returning to spring football in 2026, Jackson became a vital playmaker and leader in a stacked receiving room for the Louisville Kings during their 2026 championship season. The Louisville Kings retain the rights to Black and Jackson should they return to the UFL in the future.”

The Lions have six weeks until the start of training camp, and Jackson will be in attendance.

The Lions’ Updated WR Corps

If one assumes that second-year speedy wideout Isaac TeSlaa takes a step forward — that may or may not happen — the Lions’ pass-catchers are in pretty fancy shape.

Here’s the group before training camp:

• Amon-Ra St. Brown
• Jameson Williams
• Isaac TeSlaa
• Cedric Wilson Jr.
• Tom Kennedy
• Greg Dortch
• Lucky Jackson
• Jackson Meeks
• Dominic Lovett
• Tarik Black
• Tay Martin
• Malik Cunningham

St. Brown and Williams are more than enough to juice to headline the ticket. Fans hope that TeSlaa, Dortch, and Wilson Jr. are enough at WR3 and WR4.

SideLionReport‘s Candace Pedraza noted Wednesday, “The Lions feel pretty stacked on special teams as of now, but these two could also help out with backing up their receiver room. Obviously, Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams are the top receivers in that room, but Isaac TeSlaa is in a bit of an open competition for the WR3 role following the loss of Kalif Raymond to the Chicago Bears.”

“Black and Jackson could very well compete for snaps there. Given how successful the Lions were with Saylors and Whiteside in 2025, it feels safe to bet that they’ve found two potential gems here in Black and Jackson.”

Jackson’s Career Resume and Bio

Jackson is a summer standout, drawing attention for his production and special teams value.

He began his NFL journey as an undrafted wide receiver out of Western Kentucky, where he earned First-Team All-C-USA honors and First Responder Bowl MVP in 2019. Jackson also brings experience from spring leagues, including a UFL championship in 2026 and an All-XFL Team selection in 2023.

His NFL regular season track record remains limited, with three games played for the Vikings in 2023, totaling three offensive snaps and 32 special teams snaps. Despite not being an offensive force in the regular season, teams continue to show interest in him due to his speed and special-teams contributions.

Jackson notably impressed during the Vikings’ 2025 training camp and preseason, even garnering “Mr. Mankato” buzz. He seemed poised to make the roster, especially with Jordan Addison suspended, Justin Jefferson sidelined with a hamstring injury, and Rondale Moore suffering an ACL tear. However, he ultimately did not make the final cut, a common outcome for players on the roster bubble.

Here’s his semi-pro and pro resume to date:

• Winnipeg Blue Bombers (2022)
• Edmonton Elks (2022)
• DC Defenders (2023)
• Minnesota Vikings (2023–2025)
• Louisville Kings (2026)
• Detroit Lions (2026–present)

Likely Looking as Lions’ Practice Squad

All things considered, landing in Detroit is a sweet setup for Jackson. Wilson Sr., Dortch, and Kennedy stand in front of him on the depth chart, but that trio is not insurmountable. There’s a world where Jackson does Lucky Jackson things again this summer, earning a roster spot in late August and potentially pestering the Vikings twice in the regular season.

That’s a long shot, though, so a reasonable outlook for his 2026 campaign in practice squad placement. If all else fails, he can return to the UFL in 2027 and thrive. He’s carved out a spot in that league.

Oddsmakers expect the Lions to narrowly edge the Green Bay Packers for the NFC North crown in 2026, with the Chicago Bears and Vikings fighting to avoid last place.

Jackson will turn 29 next month.

Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker

Substitute Johan Manzambi scored his first World Cup goal on an outstanding volley in the 74th minute, and Switzerland erupted late for a 4-1 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina on Thursday to take control of its group.

Ruben Vargas scored in the 84th minute for the Swiss shortly after Tarik Muharemovic was sent off for a dangerous tackle, leaving Bosnia with 10 men.

Manzambi scored again in the 90th on a pass from Vargas, and captain Granit Xhaka converted from the penalty spot with the final kick of the game in stoppage time.

Ermin Mahmic scored in second-half injury time for Bosnia, which still has a legitimate chance of reaching the knockout stage of only its second World Cup after hanging with higher-ranked Switzerland deep into the second half.

Switzerland followed up its disappointing 1-1 draw with Qatar last week by largely dominating play against the momentum-laden Dragons, who were unbeaten in their last nine competitive matches.

But the Swiss couldn’t break through until a moment of brilliance from Manzambi, a 20-year-old Geneva native who plays for German club Freiburg – and then Muharemovic’s red card changed the match.

Manzambi scored three minutes after coming on for standout winger Dan Ndoye. Manzambi jumped and connected perfectly on Amar Memic’s attempted clearing header, setting off a wild celebration in the nervous Swiss section of SoFi Stadium.

Bosnia was backed by a raucous cheering section with tens of thousands of fans in the crowd of 70,026 celebrating their nation’s second World Cup appearance. 

The Dragons had less possession and fewer chances, yet every good moment was greeted by roars.

Four minutes after Muharemovic was sent off for taking down striker Breel Embolo one step outside the penalty area, Embolo got the ball from Manzambi and slipped a pass across the front to Vargas for a no-doubt goal. Xhaka then found Vargas in deep for another pass to Manzambi, who finished with aplomb.

Mahmic’s vicious goal in traffic salvaged some good feeling for Bosnia, which drew with co-host Canada last week.

Captain Edin Dzeko started and played 63 minutes for Bosnia, becoming the fourth outfield player to start at a World Cup in his 40s – a group joined by Luka Modric and Cristiano Ronaldo on Wednesday.

Switzerland opened play last week by giving up the tying goal to Qatar in the fourth minute of second-half injury time, prompting immediate concern about the group favorite.

Bosnia impressively held Canada to a draw in Toronto, continuing a strong run by coach Sergej Barbarez’s team. The Dragons qualified in theatrical fashion by stunning Wales and Italy in qualifying playoffs.

Switzerland dominated possession in the first half, but struggled in the final third while Bosnia cagily hung in.

The Swiss upped their attack after halftime, with Ndoye doing most of the work – including a spectacular bicycle kick that forced Nikola Vasilj to make an alert save over the bar.

Nineteen horses will contest the straight-track sprint, the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes, with Overpass accepted after his strong third in the King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Trainer Bjorn Baker confirmed Overpass has recovered well from his Tuesday run and believes the seven-year-old gelding will appreciate the 1200-metre distance of Saturday’s race.

Joliestar, the long-time favourite for the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes, has drawn barrier nine, and Overpass will start from gate seven.

The straight course has been favouring runners on the grandstand side, but with warm weather forecast, the track is expected to even out.

The middle draws for Joliestar (James McDonald) and Overpass (Josh Parr) give their riders options to find the best part of the track.

Joliestar remains the 9/4 ($3.25) favourite with English bookmakers, ahead of Japan’s Satono Reve at 5/1 and William Haggas’s Lake Forest at 10/1. Overpass is a 20/1 chance.

Satono Reve, a two-time Group 1 winner in Japan, was a very good, albeit unlucky, second to Lazzat in last year’s Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes.

Both Joliestar and Satono Reve have competed against the world’s best sprinter, Hong Kong’s Ka Ying Rising.

Joliestar finished less than two lengths behind Ka Ying Rising when fifth in The Everest in Sydney last spring.

Satono Reve has finished second to Ka Ying Rising twice in the Hong Kong Chairman’s Sprint Prizes, in 2025 and again earlier this year.

Lake Forest is well-known to Australian racing fans after winning the Golden Eagle two years ago.

Haggas brought Lake Forest back to Sydney for The Everest last spring, but he didn’t perform, finishing last at Randwick and seventh in the Champions Mile at Flemington behind Ceolwulf.

Lake Forest looks back to his best after a dominant win by over five lengths at Haydock last month.

Cieron Fallon, who won the Golden Eagle on Lake Forest, rides him on Saturday, with stablemate Almeraq (25/1) to be ridden by Tom Marquand.

Find the best racing betting markets for the Jubilee Stakes.